Geological Survey of Canada. Figures and Descriptions of Canadian Organic Remains. Decades I-IV.
Printed in Canada. John Lovell, and the Dawson Brothers. 1858, 1859, 1865, First editions. Quarter leather/paper over boards. Complete four volume copy. Hardcover quarter leather and paper (marbled) over boards. Large 8vo. Four volumes(decades) bound together: vol I 47 pp + 10 plates w/ notes, vol II 151 pp + 21 plates w/ notes, vol III 3 102 pp + 11 plates w/ notes, vol IV 72 pp + 10 plates w/ notes; 372 pp + 52 plates w/ notes total. Illustrated with 52 b/w fine plate engravings plus additional b/w illustrations in vol II-IV. The four volumes, referred to as decades, were printed out of order; decade III in 1858, decades I and IV in 1859, and decade II in 1865. Decade II is notable as it was printed by a different printer (The Dawson Brothers) from the other decades and has narrower leaves, creating a gutter in the fore edge. Decorative stain along all edges. Gilt stamped title on spine, with gilt embellishing to the four ribs. Text block has browned slightly from age and does not show any significant foxing, some minor wear to the corners of the last pages of vol I and the first pages of vol III due to the discrepancy in leaf size of vol II, and is generally clean, unmarked, and square with a strong binding. The leather on the boards and spine is flaking, with bald patches along the hinges, top and bottom of the spine, the foot, and the head. Fore edge corners are bumped and frayed. Back board fore edge has a frayed bump in the middle. All edges worn. Creases in the spine and bumps to the top and bottom. Boards rubbed. Purple speckle stain on front board. Small sticker residue on the bottom of spine. Overall a functional complete copy suitable for research or collection. This copy contains an unusual addition: a card from the Metropolitan Toronto Central Library Reference Picture Collection with a pasted on engraved print titled "Ancient Canadian Pottery" by Rev. T. Fenwick slipped into plate V of vol III. Good. Item #67032
Price: $1,000.00